Rugby stars chase squad

A new ‘pride of lions’ are hoping to claw their way into an elite schools rugby squad.

More than 100 players from the four schools within the Emmanuel Schools Foundation (ESF) are set to try out for the 2015 Lions rugby team.

Players from Bede Academy in Blyth, will join those from Emmanuel College in Gateshead, The King’s Academy, Coulby Newham, and Trinity Academy, Thorne, to compete for 24 places in the ESF squad where they will take on an annual tour.

Director of rugby at Bede Academy, Andy Sutherland, said: “Being chosen for the ESF Lions squad is confirmation that you are one of the elite rugby players, and any player selected should be proud and honoured to have been recognised.”